One of the most inspiring moments from the Academy Awards came when stars of the Hidden Figures movie introduced one of its real-life inspirations: Katherine Johnson.
Janelle Monáe, Taraji P. Henson, and Octavia Spencer introduced Johnson, who was one of the black female mathematicians behind NASA's first space voyages. "Thanks very much," said the 98-year-old Johnson as she received a standing ovation, and many stars teared up at her appearance.
#HiddenFigures [1] ladies slaying it introducing the real life hidden figure Katherine Johnson! #Oscars [2] #Oscares2017 [3] pic.twitter.com/lW3gKh5HFW [4]
— Sarasota Film Fest (@MySFF) February 27, 2017 [5]
A moving standing ovation for real life "Hidden Figures" hero, Katherine Johnson. 🇺🇸 #OscarsOn2 [6] #Oscars [7] pic.twitter.com/OIk5OWVLmy [8]
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) February 27, 2017 [9]
Not a dry eye in the house as @NASA [10] scientist Katherine Johnson appears on stage. WOW! #Oscars [11] pic.twitter.com/lBGxGjdPTu [12]
— Lucky Tran (@luckytran) February 27, 2017 [13]
Understandably, the internet loved every moment of it (and her):
Did you see Katherine Johnson appear at the #Oscars [14]? At age 98, her story continues to inspire: https://t.co/HwftgaRjJu [15] #HiddenFigures [16] pic.twitter.com/SgeTzQD9Pq [17]
— NASA History Office (@NASAhistory) February 27, 2017 [18]
Thank you, Katherine Johnson, for opening up the skies and introducing us to a world beyond our own. #Oscars [19]
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) February 27, 2017 [20]
Monet, Octavia& Taraji WOW w Katherine Johnson!!! With tears I stand and clap! #strongwomen [21] #Oscars2017 [22] #space [23]
— Lee Norwood (@THELEEOUTLOUD) February 27, 2017 [24]
Seeing Katherine Johnson (real heroine of Hidden Figures) on the stage at the Oscar brought tears 2 my eyes.
— #Stand4HumanRights (@vying4equality) February 27, 2017 [25]
Katherine Johnson is a true hero and role model. #NASA [26] #Oscars [27]
— Jill Johnson (@jjmac818) February 27, 2017 [28]
One of my favorite moments so far tonight. Not only is Katherine Johnson an inspiration, she's so beautiful. #Oscars [29]pic.twitter.com/ZCjqFeX6cx [30]
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) February 27, 2017 [31]
Learn more about Johnson here: